| 15 April 2009 - ADCA APPLAUDS ACTION ON ALCOPOPS |
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The Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) applauds the Government's decision to re-introduce the alcopops taxation legislation into the May Budget Sitting of Parliament.
ADCA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr David Templeman, said this action would not have been necessary if Senators who blocked the original legislation on 19 March 2009 had considered the health and wellbeing of the community ahead of the alcohol industry's concerns. "Today's announcement shows maturity and dedication by the Government to continue to seriously address the binge-drinking culture in "The fact that this action must be taken was further highlighted over Easter with the release by Melbourne's Murdoch Children's Research Institute of a 10-year report showing there is no safe or sensible level of drinking for adolescents. "The research found that teenagers, drinking at even the level recommended in the National Health and Medical Research Council's Alcohol Guidelines, increased their future chances of alcohol abuse, social and legal problems, or alcohol-related high-risk sexual behaviour." Mr Templeman said the proposed legislation should be recognised by all political leaders as being a strategic part of the Government's overall plan to change our drinking culture. "Such a change can only be achieved over time, it's not a quick or short-term fix, and needs a strong commitment from all sectors of the community to make a difference," Mr Templeman said. "Since the defeat of the original legislation, certain sections within the alcohol industry have voiced a desire to help tackle excessive alcohol consumption. Let's now see them standing up and being counted by calling on their representatives in both Houses of Parliament to pass this legislation." Mr Templeman said this opportunity to initiate the long-term strategy should not be wasted just because all the 'wants' of a few are not met immediately - advertising at sporting fixtures is a point in case, and one which will take time to change. Media Enquiries: Brian Flanagan, ADCA Manager Strategic Communications and Policy - phone: 02 62159802 (direct), 0400 860 058 (mobile) |
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